The cheat sheet to wearing black on a festive day.
Wearing black on a festive day is, by far, the biggest nightmare for any Indian mother. While the rest of India favours yellow on Makar Sakranti, Maharasthrian women choose to wrap themselves in all-black ensembles without hesitation. Celebrated in January every year, this day is considered the last day of winter and often the coldest. And since black absorbs the most heat, there couldn’t be a better colour for a cold, winter day. Makar Sakranti, or in some regions, Lohri or Pongal, is that one day when people worship the sun god, Surya, for a year of prosperity and a good harvest. From children taking part in kite-flying competitions to attending social gatherings or melas and enjoying mouth-watering delicacies, this festival ushers in a wave of excitement and celebration among people across various parts of the country.
But what’s the fun in festive dressing without a good sartorial investment? To help you, we have curated a wishlist for all saree enthusiasts looking for a timeless black saree they can wear on Makar Sakranti and also style later for other festivities and celebrations.
Below, find five black sarees that are an absolute must-have this season.
A timeless black crepe saree with Kashmiri Tilla Embroidery or a Parsi Gara Border
If you’re a maximalist and love throwing in shades of colour on your ensemble, then a striking Parsi Gara border will be an ideal pick for you. Do you find an all-black saree a lazy attempt at dressing up? Here’s how you can add a mix of colours to your sarees without worrying. Adding shapes and colours to monochrome looks aids in making things interesting. Think of powerful accessories that can easily elevate your look without a doubt, like a statement belt or a quirky bag. You can also mix-and-match embroidery by pairing the saree with our exquisite range of Parsi Gara Potli bags that come in several colours and floral renditions.
Explore our range of Parsi Gara Potlis here
Nothing beats the elegance of a timeless black Banarasi saree
If you choose to honour your traditional roots this Makar Sakranti, a classic Banarasi woven by local weavers from Varanasi will be a great choice. Time and again, Banarasi sarees have proven to be the crown jewel of any festive moodboard. Think intricate motifs like Kadhwa booti, paisleys, bels, or floral jaals beautifully scattered over six yards of pure silk Banarasi—making for the perfect festive uniform. And, if you’re willing to skip the holy dip in Ganga for quality time at home with friends and family while looking your absolute best, try our Black Handloom Plain Pure Katan Silk Banarasi Saree. This one features a stunning Kadhwa border with floral motifs that add an extra dose of opulence to the overall look.
Wondering how to style the look further? Go for a mix of modern and heirloom pieces, with sparkling gold earrings paired with a polki choker.
Explore more here
A black and red Bandhani for new brides
Are you a newly minted bride looking for something that’s more festive than a simple black saree? Try our handloom black Maheshwari silk Bandhani saree. This one comes with a smattering of red Ajrakh print. Ajrakh is a natural hand block printing technique that involves the use of vegetable and mineral dyes, usually practiced in Rajasthan. For added glam, opt for a sparkling gold blouse and big, bold jhumkas to finish off the look.
A yellow and black Kanjeevaram keeping the best of both worlds
No matter which part of the country you come from, a choice between yellow and black can be quite conflicting. So, instead of deciding on just one, why not choose both? Our pure silk Kanjeevaram saree is great for a look that’s both elegant and practical. Additionally, the black Korvai border with a tinge of blue aids in keeping the look off-beat. So, if you plan to step out for kite-flying competitions, keep things fuss-free by trading heavy embroidery for a simple handloom drape like this one. Make sure to tie your hair in a neat bun with minimal make-up, and you're good for the day.
Author- Haiqa Siddiqui